plate no. 9004

Saint Francis in Prayer

oilBaroquereligious paintingfigureskullrosaryrobestonereligious

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in chiaroscuro and portraiture, as well as understanding how to create depth and form with a limited color palette. Students will also learn how to render realistic textures, such as fabric and stone.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, focusing on the placement of the figure, skull, and other key elements.
step 02
Establish the dark background using a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the main shapes of the figure and skull with mid-tone browns and grays.
step 04
Begin to build up the highlights on the face, hands, and skull, using lighter values of the base colors.
step 05
Add details to the robe, rosary, and other elements, paying attention to the texture and form.
step 06
Refine the shadows and highlights to create a sense of depth and volume.
step 07
Glaze thin layers of color to unify the painting and add richness.
step 08
Add final details and highlights to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw umber · titanium white

secondary · yellow ochre · ivory black

Mix various shades of brown and gray by combining burnt umber, raw umber, ivory black, and titanium white. Use yellow ochre sparingly to add warmth to the skin tones and skull.

techniques